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Why use New Zealand Car Rental
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You won't regret using New Zealand car rentals when you visit this magnificent country. Car rental is essential if you want to make the most of your of your visit on your trip. We provide car rental deals from all major and local agencies when you compare Car Hire in New Zealand on our site.
When you’re visiting New Zealand a rental car is one of the best ways to get around. New Zealand is a small country but has the astounding geographic diversity of a major continent squeezed into its small size. For example, within 3- 4 hours drive of Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city, are sub-tropical beaches, volcanic mountains with ski fields, boiling mud pools, ancient forests, unspoiled trout fishing rivers and world class golf courses. Having a rental car gives you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want and when you want. We offer you a wide choice of New Zealand Car Rentals with a range of vehicles from mini and economy to luxury rental cars, SUV hire, 7 seaters, and Minibus hire. When you book car hire from us, we can give you so much more for your budget to tour this beautiful country. |
Car Hire Comparison in New Zealand with us finds you the best deal. Our car rental booking engine assures you cheap car hire in New Zealand & more options for New Zealand Car Rentals in real-time with the latest deals.
Popular Car Rental Locations in New Zealand
New Zealand Car Rental Companies
New Zealand car rental companies range from the familiar international big brands through to small local car rental firms. The advantage of the big name rental companies is they can be found throughout New Zealand and offer the biggest and newest range of rental vehicles. The disadvantage is that generally they’re the most expensive and often have lots of hidden costs.
At the other end of the scale are the small local operators who typically have older rental cars. Whilst you may not end up driving this year’s latest model the advantage is that the smaller car rental firms can be substantially cheaper, so leaving you more money to spend on the many exciting attractions New Zealand offers. Between these extremes you’ll find a wide range of NZ car rental firms catering to different needs and budgets.
New Zealand car rental companies range from the familiar international big brands through to small local car rental firms. The advantage of the big name rental companies is they can be found throughout New Zealand and offer the biggest and newest range of rental vehicles. The disadvantage is that generally they’re the most expensive and often have lots of hidden costs.
At the other end of the scale are the small local operators who typically have older rental cars. Whilst you may not end up driving this year’s latest model the advantage is that the smaller car rental firms can be substantially cheaper, so leaving you more money to spend on the many exciting attractions New Zealand offers. Between these extremes you’ll find a wide range of NZ car rental firms catering to different needs and budgets.
Touring New Zealand in Your Rental Car
Some of the most novel vacation experiences in the world may be found in New Zealand. All things are possible in this country so well-endowed by Nature.
The only limitation may be your time, which is why you should hire a car in New Zealand. New Zealand can easily fill up vacations that last for several months and you will not even find yourself doing the same thing twice during that period. But for those on limited time, you will have to give serious thought in planning your holiday to get the most out of your trip.
A vacation in New Zealand means traveling to the other end of the earth so you should make the most of it and you can go off the beaten track often, particularly if you have the perfect rental car – an SUV for the purpose.
New Zealand is everything you have heard about, and many things more besides. New Zealand means unspoiled nature from volcanoes to glaciers, stunning scenery, with just the right touch of interesting history.
Special Tourist Treats
A unique New Zealand tourist treat is cave tubing in the dark Ruakuri Caves. It starts innocuously enough, with a rubber tires inflated inner tube to serve as your flotation device. Everything changes afterwards as you ride through roaring rapids, slip through tight crevices, and plummet down waterfalls while the limestone walls are bathed in the eerie light produced by innumerable glowworms. The thrilling ride is also known as black-water rafting and (so far) can be enjoyed only in New Zealand.
For those who have secretly longed to be a race-car driver, here is a way to indulge that dream. You can join New Zealands Kiwi Car Rally, one of the most popular sports events. You will compete against professional drivers. Not immediately, though, because you undergo one weeks training guided by a coach.
After training, you don safety gear, seated in a real race car, and assigned a team manager. Then, you start racing in a one- or two-day endurance even over flat and hilly roads covered with snow, mud and gravel.
What else to do
New Zealand has two main islands, North Island and South Island. It is difficult to explore the best of both islands if you spend less than a month in the country. You would be better off focusing on one island (the South offers more variety) or a particular region, if you have limited time.
The best regions to see are Rotorua, Taupo and Ruapehu in the North Island, and Otago, Fiordland and Nelson/Marlborough in the South Island.
On the North Island, you can visit the Bay of Islands for dolphin-watching. Visit Rotorua for two days to take in volcanic scenery or varied marine life in the Bay of Plenty, then head on to Taupo, making sure to drop by the Wai-o-tapu Thermal Reserve along the road.
You should not miss Huka Falls and a dip in the hot pool of the plentiful thermal resorts. You can take a cruise on Lake Taupo or go to the Waitomo Caves for dark-water rafting. There is also the Tongariro Crossing to negotiate, if you are fit enough for a full day walk. The major cities in the North Island are Wellington, and the capital, Auckland.
On the South Island, take a trip out to the Marlborough Sounds for more dolphin-watching or kayaking. There are several vineyards you can visit. At Nelson, you can make your way to the Abel Tasman National Park or the Nelson Lakes National Park, near Franz Josef on the west coast. In Franz Josef, you can try the glacier walk or take a look at scenic Mount Cook.
If you proceed to Wanaka, you can go exploring canyons or do some breath-taking skydiving. At Queenstown, you may consider the Shotover Jet or take a plunge on the bungee. You should spend a day in Christchurch, the biggest city on the South Island, before you head back to Auckland for your flight out.
Best time to go to New Zealand
The warm months in New Zealand are between November and April, and this is the best time for outdoor trips. If you want to avoid crowds not only other tourists but also local folks try not to visit key sites from mid-December to early February. However, these months are also filled with wine festivals, concerts, and sports events, so you could miss out on some beautiful cultural sights.
The slightly cooler transition months of October/November and April/May may be the best times to visit. Winter is June to August, so if you prefer winter activities, take these months for skiing.
Planning your trip
Three weeks is the usual quick trip people spend in New Zealand. The official websites of major towns and cities give you plenty of information to make good plans, but dont try to fit too many places and things into a short time. For clothes, you can pack as little as possible; in this country, anything casual is fine.
Youll need some warm clothes if you go hiking, and be sure to have a waterproof jacket or raincoat as the weather can change very quickly. I
f you plan to spend some time camping, a three-season sleeping bag should do fine. Make sure your camping gear is clean when you arrive at Auckland international airport. There may be inspections and disinfections by the agriculture ministry on your gear the country is a big producer of cattle and sheep, and these need protection from pestilence.
Book your New Zealand Car Rental in advance to avoid missing the perfect vehicle for your trip. Do a search at the top of this website for a no obligation quote on your car hire in New Zealand now.
The only limitation may be your time, which is why you should hire a car in New Zealand. New Zealand can easily fill up vacations that last for several months and you will not even find yourself doing the same thing twice during that period. But for those on limited time, you will have to give serious thought in planning your holiday to get the most out of your trip.
A vacation in New Zealand means traveling to the other end of the earth so you should make the most of it and you can go off the beaten track often, particularly if you have the perfect rental car – an SUV for the purpose.
New Zealand is everything you have heard about, and many things more besides. New Zealand means unspoiled nature from volcanoes to glaciers, stunning scenery, with just the right touch of interesting history.
Special Tourist Treats
A unique New Zealand tourist treat is cave tubing in the dark Ruakuri Caves. It starts innocuously enough, with a rubber tires inflated inner tube to serve as your flotation device. Everything changes afterwards as you ride through roaring rapids, slip through tight crevices, and plummet down waterfalls while the limestone walls are bathed in the eerie light produced by innumerable glowworms. The thrilling ride is also known as black-water rafting and (so far) can be enjoyed only in New Zealand.
For those who have secretly longed to be a race-car driver, here is a way to indulge that dream. You can join New Zealands Kiwi Car Rally, one of the most popular sports events. You will compete against professional drivers. Not immediately, though, because you undergo one weeks training guided by a coach.
After training, you don safety gear, seated in a real race car, and assigned a team manager. Then, you start racing in a one- or two-day endurance even over flat and hilly roads covered with snow, mud and gravel.
What else to do
New Zealand has two main islands, North Island and South Island. It is difficult to explore the best of both islands if you spend less than a month in the country. You would be better off focusing on one island (the South offers more variety) or a particular region, if you have limited time.
The best regions to see are Rotorua, Taupo and Ruapehu in the North Island, and Otago, Fiordland and Nelson/Marlborough in the South Island.
On the North Island, you can visit the Bay of Islands for dolphin-watching. Visit Rotorua for two days to take in volcanic scenery or varied marine life in the Bay of Plenty, then head on to Taupo, making sure to drop by the Wai-o-tapu Thermal Reserve along the road.
You should not miss Huka Falls and a dip in the hot pool of the plentiful thermal resorts. You can take a cruise on Lake Taupo or go to the Waitomo Caves for dark-water rafting. There is also the Tongariro Crossing to negotiate, if you are fit enough for a full day walk. The major cities in the North Island are Wellington, and the capital, Auckland.
On the South Island, take a trip out to the Marlborough Sounds for more dolphin-watching or kayaking. There are several vineyards you can visit. At Nelson, you can make your way to the Abel Tasman National Park or the Nelson Lakes National Park, near Franz Josef on the west coast. In Franz Josef, you can try the glacier walk or take a look at scenic Mount Cook.
If you proceed to Wanaka, you can go exploring canyons or do some breath-taking skydiving. At Queenstown, you may consider the Shotover Jet or take a plunge on the bungee. You should spend a day in Christchurch, the biggest city on the South Island, before you head back to Auckland for your flight out.
Best time to go to New Zealand
The warm months in New Zealand are between November and April, and this is the best time for outdoor trips. If you want to avoid crowds not only other tourists but also local folks try not to visit key sites from mid-December to early February. However, these months are also filled with wine festivals, concerts, and sports events, so you could miss out on some beautiful cultural sights.
The slightly cooler transition months of October/November and April/May may be the best times to visit. Winter is June to August, so if you prefer winter activities, take these months for skiing.
Planning your trip
Three weeks is the usual quick trip people spend in New Zealand. The official websites of major towns and cities give you plenty of information to make good plans, but dont try to fit too many places and things into a short time. For clothes, you can pack as little as possible; in this country, anything casual is fine.
Youll need some warm clothes if you go hiking, and be sure to have a waterproof jacket or raincoat as the weather can change very quickly. I
f you plan to spend some time camping, a three-season sleeping bag should do fine. Make sure your camping gear is clean when you arrive at Auckland international airport. There may be inspections and disinfections by the agriculture ministry on your gear the country is a big producer of cattle and sheep, and these need protection from pestilence.
Book your New Zealand Car Rental in advance to avoid missing the perfect vehicle for your trip. Do a search at the top of this website for a no obligation quote on your car hire in New Zealand now.
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover .”
H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Driving in New Zealand
Driving in New Zealand
For most overseas visitors driving in New Zealand is a breeze because, compared to what they are used to, there is surprisingly little traffic on the roads – especially in the South Island. Whilst New Zealand is about the size of UK its population is only 4 million – UK by comparison has over 60 million.
Another difference is the limited number of motorways and freeways. Roads are generally only 2-laned and frequently windy due to the ever changing landscape.
In New Zealand we drive on the left, as in UK. If you’re from America or another country that drives on the right then you might feel apprehensive about having to drive on the “wrong side of the road”. Don’t be – it’s straightforward and tens of thousands of foreign visitors happily do it every year.
New Zealanders typically show a little less consideration to other drivers than is seen in UK, Australian, and the US where more cars on the road force people to be more considerate. Having said that, don’t be put off – driving in New Zealand is nothing like the harrowing experience of driving in Italy or parts of Asia!
What Sort of Driving Licenses are Required in New Zealand?
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver’s license from your home country, or an International Driving Permit.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be over the age of 25 and to have held a full license for at least 3 years. Some firms will rent vehicles to younger drivers. For example, A2B Car Rentals rents vehicles to drivers who are 20 or older and hold a full driver’s license.
At the manager’s discretion, a holder of a license for less than three years is acceptable but may incur a higher insurance excess.
Make sure your overseas driver’s license is current. If your license is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an International Driving Permit. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an International Driving Permit.
In New Zealand it’s a legal requirement that all drivers, including overseas visitors, must carry their license or permit when driving. Naturally you will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country.
What are New Zealand’s Road Rules?
Here’s a brief overview. You can get more details the NZ Government Land Transport Authority website (www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/)
- In New Zealand, all vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road as in the UK.
- When turning left, give way (or yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right
- When the traffic light is red, you must stop
- Speed limits are strictly enforced by police using radar, speed cameras and un-marked patrol cars. Fines for speeding can be expensive
- The speed limit on the open road is 100 km/h (approx 60 mph)
- In built-up areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h. (approx 30 mph)
- Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times
In Summary
If you’re planning to visit New Zealand a rental car is one of the best options, especially for independent travellers who want to experience everything New Zealand has to offer. A rental car gives you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want and when you want to enjoy this wonderful country.
Get the best priced New Zealand car rental at Car-Hire-International.com